Williams explains Popov failure

06 September 2010 12:20

Blackburn Rovers chairman John Williams has revealed that his club were forced to shelve a move for Bulgarian striker Ivelin Popov as they were unable to sell Jason Roberts.
Rovers had hoped to land 22-year-old Popov from Litex Lovech after he impressed while on trial at Ewood Park, but had to pull out of the running for his signature when no offers arrived for the experienced Roberts.
Williams told the Lancashire Telegraph: "We were expecting a bid for Jason Roberts.
"We were confident he would be fit and ready to fight for his place if he was still with us, but deep down I think we wanted a move.
"The problem was we couldn't let him go without a replacement.
"Four strikers are needed. We covered our position with Ivelin Popov ready to come to Rovers. His club knew the deal was dependent on Jason leaving, but in the end no bid came.
"Five strikers was never going to be an option, nor was letting Jason leave on a free."